A financial advisor is a professional who is trained and or certified to assist individuals in managing their investments by offering advice and guidance.
An array of professionals in the financial field can work as financial advisors.
From public accounts to investment representative, to attorneys, to insurance consultants and financial planners, all can be qualified to be a financial advisor.
Many advisors will help you in determining what financial options would best suit your needs.
Still, it is best to have an idea, before meeting with one, what you financial goals are both in the short term and the long term.
This will help the advisor be able to give you investment advice, based on your needs.
They can help you set up investments that are well balanced, offering high risk options as well as more secure investment options.
A financial advisor should be able to sit with you and help you plan out you carefully plan out your financial investments.
They should go over with you different investment options.
They should be able to share with you recommended retirement plan options, insurance plans, college investment programs for your children as well as the benefits of traditional secure money management options.
After they go over your financial needs, most financial advisors will be able to offer investors a variety of investment options including IRA's, mutual funds, stock and bond investments, college funds, real estate investment options and more.
Advisors generally work on commission, but many now do charge upfront fees for advice and account management.